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5 Players Montreal Canadiens Should Target Before 2015 NHL Trade Deadline
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With almost seven weeks until the trade deadline, there's no doubt the Montreal Canadiens are eyeing the trade bait other NHL teams have to offer. Here are five top players the Canadiens should be targeting before the trade deadline rolls around on March 2.
5. Antoine Vermette, Arizona Coyotes
![Antoine Vermette, Arizona Coyotes](/nhl/files/2015/01/Matt-Kartozian-USA-TODAY-Sports-vermette-2.jpg)
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Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports vermette 1
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A native of Quebec, Antoine Vermette is stagnating with the Coyotes. Already at 27 points in the 40 games he's played in Arizona, Vermette could thrive on a new team with new linemates. With his face-off percentage at 56 percent, Vermette could be the big center the Canadiens are seeking.
4. Jiri Tlusty, Carolina Hurricanes
![Jiri Tlusty, Carolina Hurricanes](/nhl/files/2015/01/Tlusty-Getty-1.jpg)
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4. Jiri Tlusty, Carolina Hurricanes
![Jiri Tlusty, Carolina Hurricanes](/nhl/files/2015/01/Tlusty-Getty-2.jpg)
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Jiri Tlusty is a leading goal scorer on the Carolina Hurricanes. He has 11 goals thus far, but considering the struggling team he plays for, that isn't surprising. Just imagine this versatile forward on the Canadiens.
3. Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers
![Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers](/nhl/files/2015/01/Kim-Klement-USA-TODAY-Sports-schenn-1.jpg)
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3. Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers
![Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers](/nhl/files/2015/01/Kim-Klement-USA-TODAY-Sports-schenn-2.jpg)
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Another potential center for the Canadiens, Schenn made the hockey world sit up and take notice when he scored four goals for Team Canada in a game against Norway in 2011. Just 23 years old, he needs a team that will help him break out and play hard.
2. Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers
![Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers](/nhl/files/2015/01/Sergei-Belski-USA-TODAY-Sports-yakupov-2.jpg)
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2. Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers
![Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers](/nhl/files/2015/01/Sergei-Belski-USA-TODAY-Sports-yakupov-1.jpg)
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Nail Yakupov went first overall in the 2012 draft, but this reputedly elite player has pulled a disappearing act, not performing to his potential. Is it Yakupov, or is it the basement-dwelling Oilers? On the Canadiens, reunited with his AHL teammate Alex Galchenyuk, Yakupov could thrive.
1. Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils
![Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils](/nhl/files/2015/01/getty-jagr-1.jpg)
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1. Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils
![Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils](/nhl/files/2015/01/getty-jagr-2.jpg)
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Jagr is 42 years old. He's the top scorer on the Devils. He began 2015 by becoming the oldest player to score a hat trick. He's played for seven NHL teams and is always an asset. The Canadiens have looked into acquiring him for some time, and putting him on the team with fellow Czech Tomas Plekanec would make a dynamic duo.
Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google.
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Lissa Albert is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.